Real Madrid make Vinícius Júnior contract move amid Arsenal interest
Real Madrid have sent Vinícius Júnior a new deal as Arsenal prepare a bid, according to transfer reporter Florian Plettenberg.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
The Vinicius Junior contract watch has taken a sharp turn, with Real Madrid sending the Brazil winger a new offer while Arsenal prepare an opening bid, according to transfer reporter Florian Plettenberg.
Plettenberg reported that Madrid want an agreement that keeps Vinícius at the Bernabéu, with Arsenal having told the player’s representatives they are ready to move. No fee or contract terms were reported.
Transfer interest does not mean a deal is close. Clubs often speak to representatives or prepare bids before formal negotiations produce an agreement, and Madrid’s new offer signals they are trying to keep control of the situation.
Will Vinícius Júnior sign a new Real Madrid contract?
That is the key question, and the public answer is still pending. Plettenberg’s report says Real Madrid have made their move with a new proposal, while Arsenal are positioning themselves for a possible bid if the door opens.
The Vinícius story is the loudest item in a busy rumor round, but it is not the only one dragging big clubs into the summer market.
Liverpool eye defensive cover after Gomez injury
Liverpool have entered the race for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, according to TEAMtalk. The report says manager Andoni Iraola wants another center back, with the need becoming sharper after Joe Gomez was injured minutes into a preseason friendly against Sunderland on Saturday.
Konsa, 28, is viewed as a player who could also cover at right-back, according to TEAMtalk. Arsenal are also said to be monitoring him, while Paris Saint-Germain defender Illia Zabarnyi, 23, is another name on Liverpool’s shortlist.
Other big names in the rumor mill
Al Hilal are tracking Bayern Munich winger Luis Díaz and have prepared an offer worth around €70 million, according to L’Equipe. The report says Díaz is open to a new challenge, though Bayern are reluctant to sell.
Juventus are in advanced talks with Manchester United over striker Joshua Zirkzee, The Sun reports. The proposed deal would start as a loan and include an option to buy for £30 million. Zirkzee scored two goals in 24 Premier League appearances last season.
Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are both trying to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leão, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. His representatives are expected to speak with both clubs, while Milan are said to prefer a permanent sale over a loan.
Al Hilal striker Karim Benzema will not leave unless the final year of his salary is covered, according to Mundo Deportivo. The report says the club want to clear a foreign-player slot and that Benzema has rejected several Saudi Pro League offers.
What ESPN says its sources are hearing
ESPN reported that Real Madrid expect to complete a deal for RB Leipzig prospect Yan Diomande in the coming hours. ESPN said sources expect the total package to reach €135 million, including variables, with a fixed fee between €115 million and €120 million.
ESPN also reported that Leeds United are close to signing Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford for an initial £40 million, with City expected to seek a replacement if he leaves.
Barcelona have also explored a move for Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi, a source told ESPN, though Julián Álvarez remains their leading target this summer.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.